Citizenship by naturalization

Who can apply

• Permanent residents with at least five years of continuous residence, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen who has been a citizen that whole time.
• You must have been physically in the United States at least half of that period, and have lived at least three months in the state or district where you file.
• You must show good moral character during the required period and through the oath; certain crimes bar it permanently and others for a time.
• You must pass an English and a civics test, with exceptions: applicants over 50 with 20 years of residency or over 55 with 15 years do not take the English test; those over 65 with 20 years get a simplified civics test; there is also a medical exception.
• The application can be filed up to 90 days before completing the residency period.

What the attorney does

• Reviews your full history before filing: long trips, taxes, child support, arrests, any prior statement to immigration. Whatever USCIS would find at the interview is better found first.
• Tells you plainly whether to file now, wait, or resolve something first. In some cases, filing the N-400 exposes a person to removal proceedings; that review is the most important part of the work.
• Prepares the application and evidence, and prepares you for the interview and tests.
• If it is denied, reviews the administrative appeal (N-336) within the deadline.

What to bring to the consultation

• Green card and passports from the last five years, with every trip.
• Tax returns for the last five years (three, if applying through marriage).
• If applying through marriage: marriage certificate and proof of citizenship and of living together.
• Papers from any arrest, charge or conviction, even if dismissed.
• Child support orders and proof of payment, if any.

Common questions

I have an arrest from years ago. Can I apply?

It depends on what it was, when, and how it ended. Some arrests have no effect; others bar citizenship for a time; some can put the green card itself at risk. Bring the papers before filing anything.

How long can I be outside the country?

Trips of more than six months can break continuous residence; a year or more breaks it except in limited cases. Consult before a long trip.

I cannot read English well. Is there an exception?

Yes, by age and years of residency (50/20 and 55/15), and for a medical condition with a doctor's certification (Form N-648). The attorney tells you which applies.

Do my children become citizens with me?

Children under 18 who are residents and live in your legal and physical custody usually acquire citizenship when you naturalize. It is documented with Form N-600.

Can citizenship be taken away later?

Only a federal judge can revoke it, and only if it was obtained illegally or through a material lie in the process. That is why an honest review before filing protects your future.